Asociația Agent Green, a Romanian non-governmental organisation dedicated to biodiversity conservation, is represented by Dr Theodor Cojoianu, Lecturer in Finance at Queen’s University Belfast, on the European Commission’s Platform on Sustainable Finance (Platform on Sustainable Finance).
Since the Platform was established in 2020 and up to the present, Agent Green has been the only organisation from Romania — and very likely the only one from Central and Eastern Europe — to have participated continuously in this strategic European process.
What is the Platform on Sustainable Finance?
The Platform on Sustainable Finance is the European Commission’s key advisory body for developing and implementing the EU Green Taxonomy — the official classification system for sustainable economic activities. It helps define science-based technical criteria, direct capital towards genuinely green investments and support the goals of the European Green Deal.
Established under Regulation (EU) 2020/852 on the EU Taxonomy
candidates from across Europe
the only organisation from Romania
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission
“The Platform on Sustainable Finance will play a crucial role in directing investment towards green economic activities and developing the taxonomy.”
An extremely competitive selection
Agent Green, through Dr Theodor Cojoianu, was selected in 2020 from a pool of more than 500 candidates, becoming one of the Platform’s 50 members alongside major players such as Airbus, Allianz and E.ON. This selection recognised the organisation’s expertise in:
- ✓Sustainable finance
- ✓Biodiversity protection
- ✓Scientific analysis and public policy
Dr Theodor Cojoianu
Lecturer in Finance at Queen’s University Belfast, with expertise at the intersection of sustainable finance, data science and sustainable development. A graduate of the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh.
He collaborates with global financial institutions and international bodies, presenting his research findings to Allianz Global Investors, BNP Paribas, the World Bank, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the Central Bank Network for Greening the Financial System.
Timeline of involvement (2020–present)
’20
2020 — Appointment and the start of the mandate
Agent Green becomes a founding member of the Platform and contributes to the first recommendations on the EU Taxonomy.
“The Platform’s work is crucial to achieving the European Green Deal’s goals and protecting biodiversity. It is essential that financial decisions be grounded in science.”
— Dr Theodor Cojoianu, 2020
’22
2021–2022 — Consolidating the Taxonomy and tensions in civil society
The Platform develops detailed technical criteria for multiple sectors. Tensions arise over the inclusion of controversial activities (gas, nuclear). Several NGOs choose to withdraw, citing a lack of institutional responsiveness.
Agent Green chose to remain active on the Platform.
“It is essential that we are inside the decision-making process. Real change happens from within, even when dialogue is difficult.”
— Dr Theodor Cojoianu
’25
2023–2025 — Continuity, expertise and influence
The Platform continues refining the Taxonomy and reporting tools. Its membership changes significantly — some organisations return, others are replaced. Agent Green remains one of the few members with uninterrupted participation since 2020, providing:
- ✓Consistency in biodiversity positions
- ✓Expertise grounded in scientific evidence
- ✓Representation of Eastern Europe in decision-making
A strategic choice: engagement rather than withdrawal
Throughout the process, participation in the Platform has not been without challenges: differences between civil society and institutions, political compromises at European level and the slow pace of systemic change. Nevertheless, Agent Green has chosen a consistent approach — to remain at the decision-making table, rather than outside it.
- ✓Real influence is exercised from within processes
- ✓Independent expertise must be maintained in institutional spaces
- ✓Eastern Europe’s voice for biodiversity must be consistently represented
Dr Theodor Cojoianu, Platform member
“Continuous participation in the Platform enables us to contribute directly to defining the rules that will guide trillions of euros in investment. It is a major responsibility and a unique opportunity to integrate science into financial decisions.”
Gabriel Păun, President of Agent Green
“Tracking financial flows towards sustainable and unsustainable activities is vital. This Platform is a key instrument for ensuring that the future is built on real foundations, rather than greenwashing.”
Why it matters
- ✓Agent Green brings the perspective of biodiversity conservation and forest protection into European financial policy — the only voice from Eastern Europe with uninterrupted participation since 2020.
- ✓The rules defined by the Platform guide trillions of euros in investment — monitoring financial flows is essential to preventing greenwashing.
- ✓Sustainable finance is essential to transforming Europe’s economy and achieving climate and biodiversity goals.
